Identification of key factors of development of IT-based service businesses

According to international rankings, a significant number of IT-based service businesses are among the top 100 companies in the world. The purpose of this study is to identify the key components affecting the development of information technology-based service businesses in Tehran. This research has been done qualitatively using content analysis approach during the years 1396 to 1399. The data of this research has been provided through interviews with 12 managers and entrepreneurs, technology policy makers and experts in the field of information technology, as well as referring to archival sources. Analysis of data from participants' experiences led to the formation of 287 initial concepts or codes, 13 sub-categories and 3 main categories. Internal organizational factors consist of the right project team, business model, access to resources, innovation and effective marketing. Environmental incentives and barriers come from the categories of sanctions, inadequate legislation, weak infrastructure, recession, and problems with the IT innovation system. The sub-categories of financing facilitation, tax concessions and social security insurance form the third main category under the title of policy factors. Findings of this study can effectively help policymakers and decision makers in the field of information technology-based service businesses.